WOLFVILLE, N.S. – A goal by Haley Birrell at the 69-minute mark of the game was all the Dalhousie Tigers needed to hand the Axewomen their first loss of the young AUS regular season. The win is the first time the Tigers have defeated Acadia since October 25, 2013.
Birrell received a beautiful crossing pass from teammate Maya Venkataraman for the easy tap in. Venkataraman received the Subway Player of the Game award for her effort that included the assist.
Both teams couldn't capitalize on several great opportunities and as the game wore on, the Axewomen's offensive pressure wasn't enough to rattle the Tigers who hung tight under second year head coach Cindy Tye.
Axewoman Katie Ross played solid in the mid-field and captured the Player of the Game honours for Acadia.
"Obviously, it is disappointing when you don't win, but we aren't going to dwell on the loss. We were well prepared going into the game and were happy with our performance; we just didn't get the final score we wanted and they're a well coached team. We will review the game to tighten up some areas and will switch our focus to having a good week of practice," said senior captain Katie Ross.
The Axewomen outshot Dalhousie with 14 shots of which 7 landed on net, compared to the Tigers who tested starting Acadia keeper Spencer Skinner with 5 shots and 3 shots on goal.
"We worked hard as we had most of the game. Dalhousie's keeper made some fantastic saves as did ours. Dal played a good game, I thought they defended well and were organized and kept their shape. I think we had more of the play and but they got us on one of the few times they were able to get into the attacking third and that's all it takes in soccer sometimes," said head coach Amit Batra after the game.
"We dealt with an injury right before the kick-off, we threw our 2nd year Keeper in with little time to prepare and the team was not rattled. We haven't lost a regular season game at home since 2013 so we're disappointed but these are often close games. I'm more than impressed with the team's maturity and response to the loss in the locker room afterwards. No one likes losing but we're on to the next game. There are far more positives and learning moments to take from this game than anything negative. It is what it is and we'll work to rebound in the coming week of practice," concluded Batra.
The Axewomen are on the road next weekend, stopping in PEI on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 3:00 p.m. and then off to Mount Allison on Sunday. The Tigers visit cross-town rivals Saint Mary's on Thursday starting at 5:00 p.m.